Gin

Santa Fe Spirits Wheeler's Western Dry Gin

Don't be weirded out when we tell you it's made with locally collected hop flowers, osha root and cactus blossoms as well as the traditional juniper. The result is unlike any gin you've had before but in a subtle, pleasant way. It really does taste like Santa Fe. Also try the Algodones Ginebra, which is also made with local botanicals, including piñon.

Single Malt Whiskey

Santa Fe Spirits Colkegan

It's not labeled Scotch because it's made in Santa Fe (not Scotland), but this single malt has a unique peat-smoked character, a complex flavor profile and a smooth finish. Colkegan is served at restaurants all over town, but you can also buy it straight from the distillery (7505 Mallard Way, 467-8892).

Beer

There are sooooo many killer local beers right now, but the vast majority are only available at the breweries. See what you like and take home a growler! But there are many good choices in cans and bottles. What's insanely popular (still) is IPA. La Cumbre's Elevated IPA is on restaurant menus all over—and it is the best-selling drink of any kind at Susan's Fine Wine and Spirits (1005 S St. Francis Drive, 984-1582).

Wine

Gruet Blanc de Noirs

If you have only one chance to impress visitors with a locally made wine, pour them some of this (or the similarly-priced Blanc de Blancs)—and tell them exactly how much you paid for it. You can't do better than this for $14 here (or in many other places, for that matter). But do try to expand beyond that old favorite by tasting around the portfolio at the Gruet Tasting Room (210 Don Gaspar Ave., 989-9463). The Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Red Blend are all worth taking home. If you're at the farmers market, try an Aglianico or Syrah from Vivac (2075 Hwy. 68, Dixon, 579-4441). In wine shops look for a bottle of Milagro Corrales Red Blend or St. Clair DH Lescombes Petit Verdot.